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January 28, 2025
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Catalyst Omaha
An Innovative Approach to Urban Core Renewal
Located just west of UNMC’s campus along Saddle Creek Road within the new Edge District, the historic steel foundry has been transformed into an innovation hub for a combination of medical and cross-sector-related companies. The 158,148 SF project includes more than 100,000 SF of office and co-working spaces, an event center, a fitness center, and meeting space for use by office space members.
Designed to accommodate companies of various sizes, a variety of office spaces provide flexibility for growing companies, allowing them to remain in the building as their needs change.
Project Details
Location:
Omaha, NE
Size:
158,148 SF
Scope of Work:
Adaptive Reuse
Architecture
Concept Design
Construction Administration
Engineering
Interior Design
Programming Planning
Date of Completion:
2025
Intent
The vision for Catalyst Omaha was to create a space that could accommodate a wide range of companies, from startups to established organizations, while fostering collaboration and innovation. The design needed to be flexible enough to support growth and change, allowing tenants to scale within the building as their needs evolved.
At its core, Catalyst Omaha was conceived as a place where ideas could collide, partnerships could form, and innovation could thrive. The goal was to create an environment that would attract mission-driven organizations and provide them with the infrastructure and community needed to succeed.
Process
Transforming a historic steel mill into a modern innovation hub required a thoughtful and creative approach. The design team was challenged to fit three stories of usable office and amenity space into the existing industrial framework, preserving the building’s character while introducing new functionality.
Through close coordination with project engineers, the team developed a solution that retained key architectural elements of the original structure while integrating modern systems and spatial configurations. Exposed steel, high ceilings, and large windows were preserved to maintain the building’s industrial identity, while new insertions created dynamic workspaces and shared amenities.
Collaboration was central to the design process. Shared lounges, meeting rooms, and open work areas were strategically placed to encourage spontaneous interactions and cross-disciplinary engagement. The event center and fitness facility further support community-building and wellness, reinforcing Catalyst Omaha’s role as a hub for both productivity and connection.
Photography by Corey Gaffer
